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In response to increasing public awareness of sports-related head injuries, University of the Rockies’ School of Professional Psychology has introduced a sport-neuroperformance concentration for the clinical specialization of their established doctoral-level psychology degree.

University of the Rockies, an advanced learning institution owned by Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), has established the Sport-Neuroperformance Concentration specifically for the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Specialization program. The sport-neuroperformance concentration is designed to educate Rockies students about the assessment and analysis of athletes with potential brain injuries, and assist physicians and mental-health professionals in understanding the rehabilitation process that follows those injuries.

“The new doctoral concentration in sport-neuroperformance is specifically targeted to address growing awareness of the impact of sports-related concussions and head injuries,” stated Dr. David Stephens, dean of University of the Rockies’ School of Professional Psychology. “Emerging research from professional sports organizations only underlines the need for proper evaluation of suspected head injuries and potential cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.” 

University of the Rockies’ Sport-Neuroperformance Concentration is a specialized track within the PsyD, Clinical Specialization degree program and, as such, meets the criteria for psychologist licensure within the state of Colorado and a number of other states, as well (students are advised to check with their state’s psychology licensing board to determine specific licensure requirements for that state). 

In addition, the program and concentration meet many of the requirements for Association for Applied Sport Psychology certification. This concentration can provide unique knowledge and experience in neuropsychological issues and clinical and sport psychology, which includes assessing the impact of traumatic brain injuries incurred as a result of participating in athletic competition, assisting athletes in the rehabilitative process, and training coaches and other sports professionals to identify and appropriately respond to concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.

At this time, University of the Rockies’ concentration in Sport-Neuroperformance will be offered at the University of the Rockies campus in Colorado Springs as part of the PsyD, Clinical Specialization degree program. Although the program is designed to meet the criteria for psychologist licensure, completion does not guarantee licensure or certification of any kind, and it is the student’s responsibility to determine individual states’ requirements for licensure and practice.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is an advanced graduate institution for tomorrow’s thought leaders. The University provides an intimate and dynamic learning environment, offering highly specialized master’s and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences, access to industry experts, campus clinical programs for practical experience, and research and publishing opportunities. University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). Small by design, University of the Rockies classes are presented in a progressive online format and at its Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.